Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Exciting Things

So many exciting items to discuss.

Excitement #1:
This past weekend, my garbage disposal of a dog ate an entire corn on the cob. My dog at home likes to chew on corn cobs and just kind of plays with them and then leaves them once she's bored with it. I somehow forgot that Abby does not really have a filter about what she should consume, and I gave Abby a corn cob, thinking she would do the same. 10 seconds later, she was staring at me, empty paw-ed, and looking very pleased with herself. I could not believe she ate the whole thing! I thought it might be bad for dogs, and started to panic a little bit. It was late on a Friday night, so I called an emergency vet in San Antonio and asked what I should do. The woman on the phone told me that Abby was doomed for certain death, and if I didn't bring her in rightthatveryinstant, she would die and I would be completely responsible. At this point, I decided to do the only logical thing: cry hysterically and sob to my husband that I killed our dog. Cary, the rational one in our relationship, decided that since Abby was currently vigorously chasing her tail on the rug and looking very healthy for a dog on the verge of death, we should probably just wait until the morning. He promised to wake up every 2 hours to check on her and make sure she was still alive. (Isn't he the nicest?)  The next morning, I called another vet, and this vet told me that a dog of Abby's breed and size could probably eat a Mack Truck and be alright (she may not have used those exact words, but that was her sentiment). She then instructed me to inspect Abby's #2 for the next 2 days to make sure it was normal. Have worse instructions ever been given over the phone? After 2 days of dutifully (get it?) following the vet's orders, Abby appears to be in the clear and seems to have very little knowledge that she escaped the clutches of death. She continues to eat anything that looks like it might possibly be edible and I'm so happy that she's alright. I love that dummy.

And I learned a life lesson. Emergency vet clinics love to tell you that your dog is facing certain death and the only thing you can do is come in for an emergency transplant of your money into their business.

Excitement #2
I fit into some shorts I haven't worn since like my junior year of high school. Yes please.

Excitement #3
Cary finished formation flying! Phew. He is going on his cross-country trip this weekend and continues to cruise right along! Love that goober.

Excitement #4
Haagen Dazs White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle ice cream. Oh. My. Goodness. Go try it. And thank me. Or possibly hate me.

Excitment #5
I'm leaving tomorrow for FLORIDA! Only 13 more minutes of work and then I am freeeeee for 2 1/2 weeks! I bought these plane tickets back when I thought I would be spending my summer watching Army Wives on netflix and bothering my dog, and I feel kind of bad about taking off for vacation after only working here for a month, but actually, it turns out I don't feel that bad after all and I'm just super excited about seeing my fam and being at the beach. And eating. I love being on vacation. All of my usual dietary restrictions fall to the wayside. Only one dessert per week? Pfffff more like only one dessert per meal. Including breakfast. I just wish my hubs could come. I stocked the freezer with food for him so he wouldn't eat corn dogs and cereal the whole time I'm gone. But if any of my Del Rio friends feel like inviting a lonely Care Bear over for dinner on a Sunday, I'm sure he would appreciate it :)

I probably won't blog whilst I'm gone, which I'm sure you all are terribly upset about. Be strong.

See ya'll in 2 1/2 weeks, at which point I will probably be tan, relaxed, and 10 lbs heavier.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Ramblings

I have been at work for 3 entire hours now, and I have been doing actual work the entire time. What a rush. But now I have run out of things to do, and have returned to facebook and blog stalking. I sat down to my computer and I was about to type "facebook" into the browser when my phone rang. I picked it up and said, "Facebook center, this is Amy!" instead of "Fitness Center, this is Amy!" It was not among my best moments of the day thus far.

But you know what is right at the top? I went on the most amazing run this morning. I woke up to a wet nose prodding at my hand, accompanied by an excited whine and occasional slobbery kiss. That Cary sure is weird in the mornings! Only joking. Abby is one smart pooch, and she knows when it's time for us to wake up and head out the door for our run. I rolled out of bed, threw my hair into a messy ponytail and groggily gathered my running gear. By the time I was buckling my watch, Abby could barely contain herself. She was running in circles around me, whining and barking and just generally presenting far too much energy for such an early hour in the morning. That's why I love running with her. How can you say no to that? And then, because I am a cruel person, I sat on the couch with her leash in my hand for just a minute. Just waiting; curious to know if the anticipation might cause her to actually spontaneously combust. 

Right as Abby was on the verge of having a complete meltdown, I laced my beloved and muddy Aasics, put Abby on the leash and ran out the door into the still-dark 6:00 a.m. morning. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was starting to peek out and the streets were silent. The morning was warm and comfortable, and I felt strong and healthy as I jogged around my usual route. It just felt perfect, happily running along and watching Abby hop up and down as little bunny bums ducked around corners.

I sort of had a realization. While I was running, I wasn't thinking about my rounder-than-I'd-like stomach or thighs that continue to grow despite my wishes. I wasn't worrying about my hair or my messy house or any of the little worries that tend to occupy my brain. I was just grateful. Grateful for a body that can run long distances and do anything I want it to do. It may not be perfectly shaped, but it is functioning perfectly right now; pumping blood and breathing hard and carrying me where I want to go. Grateful for a safe place to live and a nice home with a cool shower to come home to. Grateful for my furry friend, who motivates me to run and always jogs happily by my side. Grateful for my not-as-furry but equally as cute husband. Just grateful to be alive.

When I run on the treadmill, I often watch the news. Sometimes it really gets me down. So many tragedies and so much sadness in the world. And when I watch Judge Judy, I just get concerned about the large volume of morons that inhabit this planet of ours. (Seriously, have you ever watched that show? It is hilarious slash very worrisome.) Anyway. This is a long and rambly way of saying, that even though I'm slow and I get really sweaty and I'm never going to win any prizes for it, running is one of the most important parts of my day. It clears my head and brings much needed perspective into my life. Whether you like to run, walk, ride bikes, or whatever, the power of getting outside and working hard for a little bit is tremendous. It is such a simple but potent reminder that there is oh so much to be grateful for.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Hace calor

This just in.

The air conditioning is currently broken at my work. It is approximately 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit in my office. And roughly 15,000 degrees outside. I wish I could go do my "work" outside in my car, with the air conditioning on. It is hotter'n tarnation here in Del Rio.

The situation has led me to ponder my current hair situation. I have a lot of hair. It's really thick and it takes forever to dry and straighten, only to have to look like a dirty blonde mop on my head. Blow drying my hair is a continual source of strife for me. I dry and dry, getting all flushed and overheated in the process, and just when I think I'm done, I always find a still-damp clump in the back of my head that refuses to dry and insists on releasing unruly and unattractive frizzy curls. When it is hot, it becomes a matted and disgusting sweaty mess, plastered against the back of my neck. Wasn't that a nice thought? What should I do with it? Should I chop it off? Should I keep growing it out, perpetuating my continual delusion that one day I will magically turn into Blake Lively?
That is just not even fair. Go eat a donut.
Should I cut it shoulder length, which I always want to look awesome, but always makes my hair vaguely Christmas tree shaped?
Hate her, but love her hair.
 Perhaps I should be brave and actually do something different to my hair for once?
I don't even know who this is? But her hair is hot.
Or maybe something like this?
I don't know who she is either, but I am also digging her hair.
Or perhaps I will just shave it all off.
Britney Spears is so weird.
Please save me from my mop head and tell me what I should do. Grow it out? Cut it off? Shave it? Eat a donut and continue sitting around and hating Blake Lively for raising the bar so unrealistically high?

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Clever Title

I am currently suffering from a raging case of writer's block. But it has been ages since I wrote in ye olde bloggy, so here's a boring and awkwardly worded life update coming atcha.

Last week, my brothers came to visit me in Tay-has! A good time was had by all. We ate the most amazing tortillas in the world at Alamo Cafe (soooo insanely good) checked out the planes at the flightline, played with Abby, made and consumed a very large amount of Oreo truffles, played card games, swam at the lake and the pool, watched Demetri Martin (so funny), ate Bluebell, played Wii and loved life. I just love those goofy brothers. It was so fun having them here. It was slightly less fun driving to San Antonio 3 times in one week. A lot of Diet Coke was consumed. Here is about the only picture we took the whole time, because I am terrible at remembering to take pictures:
Adventure is out there!

 And now for a list.


Things that are currently bugging me.
I chose to include a picture of a cartoon roach, because I don't want to look at a real roach staring at me on my blog.
1. Roaches. Literally, buggin' me. I have found 3 roaches in the last 3 weeks, which is about 3 too many for my taste. What gives?? The Orkin man came and walked around our house, and I assumed he was actually doing something and not just admiring the lovely weed collection that surrounds our house. I also sprayed with Home Defense. But those dumb things keep popping up, and nowhere is safe! I have also found an absurd amount of rolly pollies in my house. Why? Add in a handful of small spiders and one big daddy mutant spider, and I am one bug sighting away from carrying a can of Raid in my purse at all times.
 
 2. I had to get some blood drawn yesterday, and the guy had to stab me 3 times!!! And the first 2 times, he stuck the needle in and then proceeded to dig around and fish around for my vein. Every time I flinched he'd be like, "Everything okay?" Why yes, everything is just dandy. In fact, I really enjoy having a needle digging around inside of my arm, thank you for asking. I got the blood test down right before I was going to go to the gym, so I had to run on the treadmill with 3 bandages on my arms.

3. Yesterday I also had to do a lift test, where I was supposed to do a clean and press with 100 lbs. This made zero sense to me. I sit at a desk all day. When in the world during my work day would it be necessary for me to pick up 100 pounds off of the floor and lift it over my head?? I can not fathom why this would happen. "Oh no, somebody come quick and lift this enormous cooler full of gatorade over your head or everyone running the 5k is going to die!!!" I just can't see this happening. It was also a serious struggle for me. My arms embarrassingly weak.

4. I was supposed to have access to my work computer a week and a half ago. And here I am, still with no computer access. And it is not looking like it will happen anytime in the near future. So I continue to sit at my desk for 8 hours a day, stalking facebook and reading cooking blogs. Consequently, I am starving and not feeling enthusiastic about my turkey sandwich lunch. I honestly feel bad that I am getting paid for doing absolutely nothing. Oh well.

5. I fried my back in a major way while we were at the lake this week, and now I am peeling like crazy. The principle reason that this bugs me is that I am peeling on my back, where I can't even have the satisfaction of peeling it off. Don't lie, I know at least some of you out there enjoy peeling sunburns too.

And to end this blog on a positive note, I will share a recent small victory of mine. I finally succeeded in walking off with one of my boss's awesome pens. He has these great pens in his office and he watches them like a hawk. If you use one, he doesn't take his eyes off of you until you put it back. A great majority of the pens in my office work only very sporadically, and I have definitely had my eye on one of his pens, but of course I would never straight up steal one. I just realized a few minutes ago that I accidentally left his office with one of his pens still inside of my folder.  I'm keeping it forever.